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United Way nears campaign goal

CHILLICOTHE – United Way of Ross County is on track to exceed the $625,000 goal set for its 2014-15 community campaign, which is good news for local organizations that receive funding from the agency.

During a campaign update gathering at the PACCAR Medical Education Center on Thursday, officials revealed they have collected $610,669. Money raised by the nonprofit organization goes back into Ross County in the form of funding for more than 30 different programs within 18 agencies, including such things as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, homeless shelters, the Ross County Hunger Coalition, Goodwill and others.

United Way of Ross County CEO Cathy Whalen said more corporate matching funds are expected in the near future, and she added fundraising efforts will continue in the meantime.

“We’re really confident that we’ll make goal within the next few weeks,” Whalen said.

Whalen, who became CEO in November, said United Way of Ross County is ahead of its goal when comparing the same time frame in previous years. She also thanked people who have participated in workplace campaigns, in addition to private donors who have stepped up.

“We’ve just had great support from the community, and we can’t thank them enough because all the money we raise goes right back into Ross County. It stays here in Ross County and helps the people of Ross County, so we can’t thank our campaign donors enough for making a difference in our community,” Whalen said.

Whalen already is looking at the 2015-16 campaign, and said her goal is to get the community more involved. A 5K run/walk event is scheduled for Sept. 12 to kick off the next campaign, she said.

A final campaign tally will be released during a March 26 banquet at the Chillicothe Country Club, during which campaign leadership donors and volunteers will be recognized for their efforts.